Nautical Charts: Paper Still Has Its Advantages

carte marine

Ah, nautical charts… Whether you’re a freshwater sailor or a seasoned sea wolf, they are your best allies to avoid running aground on a sandbank or getting lost in the fog. But in a world where digital technology is everywhere, the question arises: should we still rely on a good old-fashioned paper chart, or give … Read more

The Different Types of Ballast and Keel in Sailboats

quille voilier

Choosing a sailboat also means selecting a type of ballast and keel configuration. This choice will typically be between a fin keel, a centerboard, or a bilge keel. The keel is the stability component of the sailboat. It not only improves directional stability when sailing upwind but also offers performance and comfort specific to each … Read more

The Most Beautiful Regattas in Europe Open to Amateur Sailors

régatta

In Europe, certain regattas have become very popular, gathering numerous amateur sailors and professional crews. Let’s take a look at the most beautiful regattas in Europe. European regattas offer fascinating opportunities for amateur sailors who wish to test their skills and experience the thrill of competition on a sailboat. Whether you’re a regular at regattas … Read more

Wingfoiling: An Overview of this Fast-Growing Sport

wingfoil

Wingfoiling is one of the latest watersports to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a hybrid discipline combining elements of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling, while adding a hand-held, easily maneuverable wing. Accessible to beginners and offering ample technical progression, wingfoiling stands out for its unique gliding sensation, freedom of movement, and lightweight equipment. Here’s a comprehensive look … Read more

How Do Boats Float?

boat

The ability of a boat to float can seem mysterious, but it is all explained through the science of buoyancy, first explored by Archimedes over 2,000 years ago. Understanding how buoyancy works is crucial for boat design and navigation. Boats float because of the upward force, known as buoyancy, that counteracts their weight. When a … Read more

Boat Rental Market: Mixed Results for 2024 and Encouraging Signs for 2025

voiliers au port

After a year of uneven performance in 2023, the 2024 boating season brought its share of challenges and surprises. With unpredictable weather, elections disrupting holiday plans, and renewed interest in certain destinations, rental companies had to demonstrate flexibility. Here’s a comprehensive review of this year’s performance and the outlook for the year ahead. Fluctuating Booking … Read more

How to prepare your cruise?

Are you a fan of sea travel and thinking of taking a luxury cruise? It’s a great initiative that will allow you to relax and experience a great adventure. But to prepare for such a trip, nothing should be neglected. Here is an article that gives you some recommendations for the preparation of a successful … Read more

Plankton Planet on Board Perseverance: Unprecedented Scientific Exploration of the Mysteries of the Southern Ocean

An ambitious initiative led by Member of the European Parliament Catherine Chabaud and CNRS biologist Colomban de Vargas came to life on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, with the launch of the participatory oceanology program Plankton Planet aboard Perseverance, the polar exploration and future resupply schooner designed by Jean-Louis Etienne for the Polar Pod. Discovering the … Read more